Double Entendre Examples

A double-entendre is a phrase or figure of speech that could have two meanings or that could be understood in two different ways. Typically one of the interpretations is rather obvious whereas the other is more subtle. The more subtle of the interpretations is typically sexually suggestive. It may also convey a message that would be socially awkward, or even offensive, to state directly. There are many examples of double-entendre found in literature and in life. In fact, writers like William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer used double-entendres often in their respective works. A double entendre may exploit puns to convey the second meaning. Double entendres generally rely on multiple meanings of words, or different interpretations of the same primary meaning. They often exploit ambiguity and may be used to introduce it deliberately in a text.

Because double-entendres can be interpreted in two ways, they aren't always suggestive in nature and sometimes they are not even intentional. This accidental double-entendre often appears in news headlines, for example; Criminals Get Nine Months in Violin Case,' which means convicted criminals will serve nine months in jail, not inside a violin case, thus confusing the reader. However, when used intentionally, double-entendre can be fun and entertaining because the idea is to get a laugh both from people in the know and from people who do not understand the second or risque meaning. This has become widely popular in children's cartoons and film to make the content entertaining for both children and adults. In Finding Nemo, the characters are told "Ok, everyone, think dirty thoughts!" For an adult, this joke is racy, on the other hand, children can still enjoy the comedy while being oblivious to its second meanings.

Meaning: First Meaning: Most people who make a bunch of money and find unnatural success tend to stop at some point. "Earnhardt" = "Earn hard." Second Meaning: This is illustrated this by referencing Dale Earnhardt's death.